Congressman Henry Cuellar highlights the United States Postal Service’s announcement yesterday to delay closing or consolidating any Post Office or mailing facility until May 1, 2012.  

Earlier this year, approximately 3,700 post offices were targeted for closures this year by the USPS due to financial struggles, including mail volume declining and changing customer habits. The USPS planned to conduct studies on certain post offices to determine which facilities are subject to closure.

“Over 200 Texas post offices were being considered for closure, including eleven in my congressional district, which is made up largely of rural communities. I understand the importance of ensuring accessible mail delivery and access for those who rely on USPS services,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I, along with other lawmakers, sent a letter to the Chairwoman of the Postal Regulator Commission to oppose post office closures and support a more thoughtful reform that fixes errors of the past.” 

Congressman Cuellar signed onto a letter dated September 15, 2011 sent to Honorable Ruth Goldway, Chairwoman of the Postal Regulator Commission that stated possible 3,653 post office closures are the wrong way to handle fiscal problems within the USPS. Instead, the letter asks that reform be made to the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.

“The announcement from USPS of the closure delays is a first step toward uninterrupted mail delivery services to millions,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I look forward to working toward responsible solutions to support the sustainability of thousands of post offices.”